Cleanable Conveyor Frame With Curved Reversing Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor belt systems in the food industry face challenges in cleaning due to complex connections, numerous components, and difficult-to-clean crevices, which hinder compliance with sanitation requirements.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor frame design featuring integrated, curved rails and minimized components to form a unitary structure that supports the conveyor belt and facilitates easy cleaning, with curved reversing elements and gussets to eliminate sharp angles and crevices, allowing for a seamless and cleanable surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If complex connections and multiple components are used in the conveyor frame, then structural integrity is improved, but cleanability deteriorates due to crevices and difficult-to-clean areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components (frame members, support structures, and reversing elements) into a unitary integrated frame structure. This consolidation eliminates the crevices and gaps that exist between separate components, making the entire conveyor system cleanable as a single continuous surface while maintaining structural strength through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved surfaces and rounded transitions throughout the frame structure, particularly at corners and joints. These curved geometries eliminate sharp angles and crevices where debris could accumulate, creating smooth surfaces that are easily cleanable while preserving the structural integrity of the frame through optimized curvature radii.
2Strength
If multiple components and complex connections are used, then structural support is improved, but device complexity increases making cleaning problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate components into a single integrated frame structure. The unitary design integrates frame members, support elements, and belt reversing mechanisms into one cohesive structure, reducing the total number of components while maintaining all necessary structural support functions.
3Ease of operation
If integrated rails with curved ends are used, then cleanability is improved by eliminating crevices, but manufacturing complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes curved ends on the longitudinal rails to form the belt reversing elements. These curved geometries eliminate sharp corners and crevices, creating smooth continuous surfaces that are easily cleanable. The curvature is designed to be manufacturable using standard forming processes while achieving the cleanability objective.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cleanable belt conveyor and a method for making a cleanable belt conveyor having a simplified frame design. One version of such a conveyor comprises a frame and an insertable conveyor belt support. Another version comprises a modular frame formed by a plurality of shafts connected using connectors. Another version comprises a unitary frame and carryway structure, whereby the carryway for supporting a conveyor belt constitutes support structure for the frame. Another version comprises a carryway support rail including an integral curved reversing element. Another version comprises components connected through curvaceous connecting members.